St. Maarten, October 8, 2013 – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is excited to announce that the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will be the host of the 2013 Crystal Pineapple Awards. Year after year, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino has been the perfect setting for the annual gala event during which the SHTA recognizes excellence in service and outstanding performance at the various levels and throughout the different sectors of the tourism industry.

“As the country’s premiere resort and home to several Crystal Pineapple winners as a part of its team, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is honored to again host the awards ceremony on November 22nd,” said Mr. Bernard Hunt, Director of Sales Sonesta Maho Beach.

The nomination period for submitting individuals/organizations opened on Monday September 23rd and will close on Monday October 21 2013. The category groups are: Accommodations (Hotels, Timeshares and Rentals) with 4 subcategories; Restaurants with 3 subcategories; and Community Services. In addition, nominations can also be presented for the non-voting categories, however, these will be voted on by the Selection Committee. Individuals, who have been nominated in previous years, can be nominated again. “The Organizing Committee is encouraging the community of St. Maarten to go online and visit their Facebook page: “Crystal Pineapple Awards” to nominate their candidate in various categories. The nomination form and categories can be found on the SHTA website www.shta.com as well as additional information and updates on the event.

“We sincerely appreciate the fact that the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino could once again accommodate our event. Throughout the years we have enjoyed a wonderful collaboration with the resort and have been able to count on the assistance of their entire team in making the event better with each passing year”, said SHTA. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than before, with as many as 70 awardees to be recognized. Great food, ambiance and live entertainment throughout the evening culminating in dancing at the end, will surely make this event one to be remembered.

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail: info@shta.com.
￼￼About Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino
The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, with its all-inclusive meals, drinks, kid’s club and scheduled activities program, is a “destination within a destination”, offering exciting nightlife, a variety of accommodations and first-rate amenities for singles, couples and families. The 10-acre, 520-room beachfront property is conveniently located on the island’s southwest shore, just minutes from the airport and features a large signature pool area with swim-up pool bar, cascading waterfalls, a second quiet pool area, oceanfront wedding gazebo, 4 restaurants and 4 bars, fitness center, 4 tennis courts, nightclub, and more than 24,000 sq. feet of meeting space. Guests may enjoy other amenities such as The Maho Serenity Spa, a casino, and motorized water sports for an additional fee. Call 800-SONESTA (223-0757) or visit www.sonesta.com/mahobeach